The Mount of Olives in Jerusalem is long believed to be the spot from which Jesus ascended to heaven forty days after his resurrection. This belief can be seen in the many Churches in the area dedicated to the event. One of the oldest monuments built to mark this moment and offer a place for pilgrims to gather is the Chapel of Ascension.

Located on Mount Zion, just outside Zion Gate and the Old City walls, is the Cenacle, derived from the Latin for “dining room.” This site is believed to be the location of the Last Supper, the Passover meal shared between Jesus and his disciples the night before his crucifixion.

When looking out on the skyline of the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem, the Russian Orthodox Convent of the Ascension and its striking 64-meter belfry are unmistakable. This 19th century church was built at the highest point on the Mount of Olives in the neighborhood of a-Tur and is the hillside’s tallest structure.

Although quite new compared to the centuries-old churches of the Old City of Jerusalem, Christ Church was actually the first Protestant Church in the Middle East. Christ Church is an Anglican church, built in 1849, located meters from Jaffa Gate inside the Old City.

The Christian Information Center is an invaluable resource for anyone visiting the Christian holy sites in Jerusalem. The center has been open since 1973 and is sponsored by the Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land. Their aim is to provide information to visitors and residents alike about Christianity and the Holy Land.